Public health guide wrong to say parents can sleep with babies: Quebec coroner
10.06.2008 16:00
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
Young parents are being misled about the dangers of sleeping with their infants, said the Quebec coroner's office in a new report on the deaths of two babies in 2007. The coroner investigated the infants' deaths after they suffocated while sleeping with their parents in bed. A guide published by the province's public health institute says the practice is beneficial, which counters scientific evidence, concluded coroner Catherine Rudel-Tessier, in a report released Friday. The guide lists several advantages to having babies sleep with their parents, including proximity to body heat, and tactile and visual stimulation. Those benefits are not scientifically proven, and downplay the dangers of a controversial practice, the coroner's report concluded. The danger of parents rolling over their babies while sleeping is too great to recommend the practice, Rudel-Tessier said. The coroner's office will recommend Quebec's public health institute modify the guidelines. Babies should sleep in a crib in their parents' bedroom for the first six months of life, without pillows or teddy bears, she said. Dressing infants warmly at night instead of wrapping them in a blanket is also a preferred practice, the report concluded. Nine babies in Quebec have died of suffocation after sleeping with an adult since 2000, Rudel-Tessier said. Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksSleeping in bed with parents dangerous for baby, report warnsHealth HeadlinesCellphones can give cancer-stricken teens a lifeline: U.K. researchersYoung cancer patients at home can benefit from communication via a specially designed cellphone, say British researchers, adding the system can provide reassurance and independence. More people getting HIV than being treated for it, UN saysDespite a stepped-up global battle against AIDS, the number of people newly infected with HIV is far and away outpacing the number beginning antiretroviral drug treatments.Low vitamin D levels linked to increased heart attack risk: studyMen who have low levels of vitamin D may have a higher risk of heart attack, suggests new research.Premier's office did not see alarm over cancer tests, inquiry toldThe office of Premier Danny Williams did not intervene into a cancer testing crisis for months because staff trusted a health authority to manage it properly, an inquiry was told Tuesday. 'I don't know if I have cancer or not': patient in N.B. pathology reviewA patient whose tests are being reviewed as part of an inquiry into pathology services at a New Brunswick hospital says the situation has caused him anxiety and makes it difficult for him to sleep. Health FeaturesHealthVitamin DBoning up on the sunshine vitaminCONSUMERCalorie trackerHEALTH & FITNESSPeter HadzipetrosJoints are just fine, thank youHEALTHFixing pharmaStem cells could lead to better, safer drugsVIDEODrowsy drivingKnowing when you're too tired to drive (5:30)People who read this also read …
| 
Add comment